About this course

Entry requirements

To apply to the Ph.D. in English, you must submit official transcripts showing conferral of your bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 24 credits in English or American literature. You must also possess at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the undergraduate level, with a 3.5 or better in English courses.
We require that you submit evidence of acceptable scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test along with your application. The subject GRE Test is not required.
You must submit three letters of recommendation, two of which come from an academic reference and attest to your work as a student. You must also submit a recent sample of written work, as well as a personal statement detailing your professional goals.
Applicants who apply with an M.A. or M.F.A. in English may receive up to 18 credits of advanced standing, with approval from the graduate director and the Dean’s office.

Months of entry

January, August

Course content

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at St. John’s University distinguishes itself through its integration of rigorous research and writing with pedagogical theory and practice. As a student in the program, you’ll combine advanced literary, cultural, and writing studies with preparation for teaching. You’ll work with our distinguished faculty members to explore traditional and emerging fields of literature, cultural studies, critical theory, and composition and rhetoric, while gaining experience teaching undergraduate courses in writing and literature.

The program is designed for both full-time graduate students and professional educators, administrators, and writers who wish to complete a doctoral degree part-time. Pursuing full-time study, you can complete the Ph.D. in about five to six years: two years of coursework, followed by approximately three or four years completing the oral comprehensive exams and dissertation while teaching. As a part-time student, you’ll proceed more gradually toward completing the requirements.